Janet Spriggs: Access, Success, and Student-Centered Leadership

by Presidents Forum | Aug 20, 2025 | Outcomes and Accountability

Janet Spriggs: Access, Success, and Student-Centered Leadership

Why it matters

Forsyth Tech President Janet Spriggs brings a unique perspective to higher education leadership: she started as a community college student herself. That experience shapes her belief that access, student success, and economic mobility must remain at the heart of community colleges.

The big picture

Spriggs’ leadership philosophy is grounded in leading from within—working alongside faculty, staff, and students to co-design systems that truly serve learners. Under her guidance, Forsyth Tech has focused on three priorities:

Access: Ensuring higher education is available to every student within reach.
Success: Supporting students beyond enrollment—making sure they persist, complete, and thrive.
Outcomes: Connecting credentials to meaningful careers that provide family-sustaining wages.

How they’re doing it

Building strong partnerships with K–12 schools, universities, and employers.
Co-developing workforce programs with industry leaders to ensure graduates have in-demand skills.
Embedding human-centered design to shape schedules, services, and supports around today’s students.

The bottom line

Spriggs believes higher ed should change lives, families, and communities, not just grant credentials.

2025 NSTC Symposium to Convene Leaders in AI and Semiconductors

by Presidents Forum | Aug 18, 2025 | Policy

Registration is now open for the 2025 National Semiconductor Technology Center (NSTC) Symposium, taking place September 15-16 in Austin, TX. This event represents a significant opportunity for academic leaders to engage with the latest semiconductor industry developments.

Key Highlights:

Keynote Speakers Announced: The symposium will feature two powerful keynotes focused on the intersection of AI and semiconductor technology:
- Day 1: “The Engine Behind Generative AI: A Decade of GPU Innovation”
- Day 2: “From Silicon to Superintelligence: Building AI Infrastructure for the AGI Era”
Comprehensive Agenda: The event features 30+ sessions covering critical areas:
- NSTC program updates across Research, Workforce, Design Enablement, Facilities, and Investment Fund
- Technical sessions on edge computing, advanced packaging, memory, photonics, and more
- Discussions with semiconductor investors and successful startups
- Introduction of the new Analog Mixed-Signal Community of Action working group
Networking Opportunities: Connect with industry leaders, academics, investors, workforce experts, and policymakers to explore collaboration possibilities relevant to higher education institutions.
Funding Insights: Discover new investment and funding opportunities that could benefit academic research and workforce development initiatives.

This event aligns with the Presidents Forum’s interests in supporting semiconductor education and research initiatives. We encourage members to consider participating to strengthen connections between higher education and this critical industry.

Matching Aptitude to Opportunity

by Presidents Forum | Aug 15, 2025 | Video, Working Learners

Matching Aptitude to Opportunity

The big picture:

Many working learners land in programs that don’t fit and stop out, sometimes multiple times.

Why it matters:

Aligning education with natural aptitudes boosts persistence, completion, and job readiness while filling talent gaps in tech, manufacturing, finance, engineering.

What’s needed:

Measure aptitudes early
Expand real-world exposure
Connect programs to careers
Honor prior learning
Show clear personal ROI

Bottom line:

When learners see a path that fits who they are, they stick, finish, and thrive.

Rio Salado College: Building a Culture of Student Success

by Presidents Forum | Aug 11, 2025 | Outcomes and Accountability, Underserved Communities

Rio Salado College: Building a Culture of Student Success

Why it matters:

Rio Salado College has pioneered innovative student support services that leverage technology while maintaining a human-centered approach.

Key insights:

Technology + human touch: Rio Salado combines AI-powered tools with personal advisors to create a balanced support system
Proactive intervention: Data analytics identify struggling students before they fall behind
Diverse support services: From mental health resources to specialized veterans services
Career pathways: Apprenticeships and teacher residency programs create direct routes to employment
Incarcerated student programs: Innovative digital literacy training prepares students for post-release employment

The bottom line:

Technology should enhance rather than replace human connection in student services, creating a comprehensive support system that addresses academic, personal, and career needs.

New Higher Education Regulations Take Shape

by Presidents Forum | Aug 8, 2025 | Policy

New Higher Education Regulations Take Shape

Why it matters:

The Department of Education is launching two negotiated rulemaking committees to implement significant changes from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), affecting federal student loans and higher education access.

The RISE Committee

Focus: Federal student loan changes enacted in OBBBA
Scope: Pre-disbursement changes (loan limits, graduate PLUS program phaseout, institutional authority to limit loans) and repayment reforms (simplified income-driven repayment, multiple rehabilitation options)
Timeline: Meeting last week of September, first week of October, and one week in November

The AHEAD Committee

Focus: Other Higher Education Act changes from OBBBA
Key elements: Workforce Pell (allowing Pell eligibility for programs under 600 clock hours between 8-15 weeks) and new programmatic earnings accountability metrics
Timeline: Meeting one week in December and early January 2026

What’s next

August 25 deadline: Written comments and negotiator nominations due
Higher ed stakeholders encouraged to submit proposals and ideas to shape implementation of these new provisions